Majestic Trees and Magical Shores

 May 5 - 9, 2021

Redcrest, California

Our first full travel day on Hwy 101 and it feels like "finally!" All (most of) the stress and uncertainty of the past year melts away as we return to our favorite summer route. 

Having our vaccines and knowing our family have theirs is a huge relief. COVID continues to be a concern, we aren't out of the woods completely, too many people continue to insist on keeping it around, but I'm definitely feeling optimistic that life can return to a safe normal this year.

Not feeling the same optimism about the return of our country to decency and social consciousness. Sadly, even after the relief of January 20, the hateful racist hordes continue their nonsense. COVID is not the worst thing that's happened to us :-(

But alas being on the road gives us a positive focus, surrounded by nature and the blessing of protected public lands. I intend to immerse myself!!

On previous years we've stopped in Fortuna, California, to visit the redwoods and nearby coast. This time I reserve five nights on the Avenue of the Giants, staying at Ancient Redwoods RV Park. While the park is cleared of all trees, we're surrounded on every side by a dense forest of redwoods and hard woods. 50 amp FHUs on good size, level, paved sites surrounded by well-maintained green grass. This is an immaculate park with easy access and wide interior roads. The water pressure is a little low, and there is zero cell service. They provide several "tickets" to sign in to fast Internet that lasts us the five days (no streaming). It's a 20 minute drive in to Fortuna or they have a small store on site. Super nice staff who take real pride in their park.

Until the last day we have the park mostly to ourselves.

Lovely outdoor space we enjoy several times during our stay.

Arriving on Cinco de Mayo means we head to Fortuna for Mexican food and margaritas. Las Cazuelas Cantina serves up tasty portions of both. Like all businesses in the area, it's "no mask, no service", with distancing established throughout. 

Ferndale is a quaint little town between Hwy 101 and the coast. We visit one afternoon, taking our time, just seeing.

I want to know people who paint their door pink.

Different hair stylists.....

Many gardens have huge rhodies on display.

Softened by age.

One comes here to see the incredible giant trees, and certainly they are part of the draw for us. But after "discovering" the Lost Coast two years ago, it's the biggest draw for us. Bill finds a new route that adds even more to a perfect day of exploring.

Bear River Ridge Road takes us through several farms, over lovely rolling hills.

We stop numerous times to appreciate the incredible views.

Occasional sections of wet and mossy forest.

Hard to capture just how long and steep this "driveway" is.

Groomed and posed for our viewing pleasure.

The new route brings us out on the main road to the coast. Narrow and steep with more pot holes than asphalt, the "trail" tests shocks, brakes and several body parts. UPS and other trucks use it so it's passable, but plan to take your time. 

The reward for the last section of the drive.

Lupine covers acres of wild coast here.

Raw and rugged basalt sand and rock.

Dunes and grasses soften the southern stretch.

Turning inland, meadows steal the show.

Old family farms are scattered throughout the valley.

This old growth Eucalyptus is nearly as wide as the road we're driving beside it.

Gotta love FedEx drivers who are always prepared. This one pulls out a tow strap to move this fallen tree from the road.

There are a few options for moving among the historic redwoods, and we visit all of them over our time here. The smells, the sounds (or the complete lack of same), the overall feel of these old growth forests is magical. 

Feeling small among the giants.

Many different sizes, all reaching high.

A mystical world awaits.

Through the portal......

New life from fallen giants.

Tall Tree, impossible to capture all 359 feet. 

Monday morning we continue north, hoping to resolve our motorhome registration issue at the Cummins in Arcata - and looking forward to spending a week with the wild Elk herd of Trinidad.